Understanding the Differences Between Cluttercore and Clustercore

Understanding the Differences Between Cluttercore and Clustercore
To achieve a clustercore look, it's important to strike a balance between intentional curation and visual appeal. Handout/TNS
Tribune News Service
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By Katie Laughridge From Tribune News Service

When it comes to home design, two seemingly similar concepts have gained attention in the online world in recent years: cluttercore and clustercore.

While they share similarities, a few key differences set them apart. Cluttercore and clustercore represent two contrasting philosophies when it comes to organizing and displaying personal belongings.

Ultimately, both cluttercore and clustercore offer unique ways to infuse personality and creativity into home design, allowing you to express your individuality through your living spaces.

What is Cluttercore?

Cluttercore finds beauty in the chaos, embracing the idea that a space can be filled with items that bring joy and nostalgia. It encourages a sense of comfort and familiarity, where every nook and cranny tells a story. Cluttercore enthusiasts often prioritize sentimentality over minimalism, allowing their homes to become a reflection of their personal journeys and experiences.

Cluttercore finds beauty in the chaos, embracing the idea that a space can be filled with items that bring joy and nostalgia. (Handout/TNS)
Cluttercore finds beauty in the chaos, embracing the idea that a space can be filled with items that bring joy and nostalgia. Handout/TNS

Functionally, it embraces a more haphazard approach, where an abundance of objects and knickknacks are intentionally scattered throughout a space, creating a cozy and lived-in atmosphere. It celebrates the beauty of imperfection and embraces the sentimental value of personal belongings.

What is Clustercore?

On the other hand, clustercore takes a more curated and intentional approach. It involves grouping objects and decor in deliberate clusters, creating captivating focal points that draw the eye and tell a story. Clustercore strikes a balance between showcasing personal items and maintaining a sense of order. It encourages thoughtful curation and careful placement to achieve a harmonious and visually striking space.

Clustercore strikes a balance between showcasing personal items and maintaining a sense of order. (Handout/TNS)
Clustercore strikes a balance between showcasing personal items and maintaining a sense of order. Handout/TNS

Clustercore enthusiasts pay attention to the relationship between objects, considering color schemes, textures, and shapes to create a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing arrangement. Each cluster becomes a focal point within the space, capturing attention and inviting exploration. It encourages a mindful approach to showcasing personal belongings while maintaining balance.

Re-creating the Looks at Home

Creating a cluttercore look in your home involves embracing imperfection and creating a space filled with cherished objects and personal mementos. Start by curating a collection of items that hold sentimental value or evoke happy memories. They could be vintage trinkets, family heirlooms, or quirky finds from flea markets.

Creating a cluttercore look in your home involves embracing imperfection and creating a space filled with cherished objects and personal mementos. (Handout/TNS)
Creating a cluttercore look in your home involves embracing imperfection and creating a space filled with cherished objects and personal mementos. Handout/TNS

Embrace the concept of organized chaos by strategically placing the objects throughout your space. Avoid strict organization and instead allow your belongings to be casually scattered and displayed on shelves, tabletops, and even walls. Embrace an eclectic mix of textures, colors, and patterns to add visual interest and depth. The key is to create a space that feels cozy and filled with stories.

To achieve a clustercore look, it’s important to strike a balance between intentional curation and visual appeal. Start by selecting a few key items that hold sentimental value or reflect your personal interests. They could include cherished photographs, vintage treasures or artwork. Next, consider the composition of your clusters. Arrange items in groups of varying sizes, heights and textures to create visual interest. Experiment with different arrangements until you find a configuration that feels harmonious and visually captivating. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different styles and eras to add depth and character to your clusters.

Remember to consider the surrounding space and ensure that the clusters complement the overall aesthetic of the room. By curating thoughtfully arranged clusters, you can create striking focal points that tell a story and infuse your home with the enchanting allure of clustercore.

I am continually inspired by how these design philosophies can transform a space. Cluttercore celebrates the joy that comes from surrounding ourselves with cherished belongings, while clustercore invites us to curate intentional arrangements that captivate the eye. Both styles offer opportunities for self-expression and creativity in home design.

Whether you prefer the cozy chaos of cluttercore or the curated compositions of clustercore, the styles remind us that our homes are not just spaces, but reflections of our personalities and journeys. So let’s embrace the allure of clutter and the art of clustering as we design spaces that truly feel like home.

Adapted from nellhills.com. Katie Laughridge is the owner of Kansas City interior design destination Nell Hill’s. For more information, contact Katie at [email protected]. Copyright 2023 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.